Ramen in Japan is more than just noodles, it's a tourist attraction and experience

Kota Kobayashi prepares a bowl of noodle at his chain called "Ore No Ikiru Michi" in Tokyo on April 17, 2024. — Photos: AP/Eugene Hoshiko

Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen might be everyone’s favourite Japanese food.

In Tokyo, long lines circle around blocks, and waiting an hour for your ramen is normal. What awaits might be just a dive, but a hot bowl of ramen rarely fails to hit the spot.